February 2024 | BY Amy Rushworth

 

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and what better way to treat a loved one than with a unique and special piece of jewellery?

Buying at auction is a great opportunity to find antique, mid-century and modern jewellery at a fraction of the price of retail, so that special someone gets the treat they deserve and you get to enjoy that extra money left in your pocket.

So, here are some of our favourite items coming up in Jewellery & Watches this Thursday 8th February, whatever your budget may be. Enjoy!

 

UNDER £100

 

2146 - Silver peridot and cubic zirconia flower cluster ring
Est: £50-70

 

The Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and today the peridot is still prized for its restful yellowish-green hues and long history. Peridot is the modern birthstone for August, symbolising success, peace and love and also the gemstone celebrating 16 years of marriage

Set in silver and adorned with cubic zirconias, this pretty peridot cluster ring would make a wonderful gift for that special someone.  

2040 - 9ct gold single stone oval cut amethyst pendant necklace
Est: £50-70

 

Amethyst was as expensive as ruby and emerald until the 19th century, when large deposits were discovered in Brazil. Today you can find them at more reasonable prices, but their deep purple to pastel hues retain wide consumer appeal and it is a popular gemstone worldwide.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the gem for the 6th wedding anniversary. It represents serenity and calm and is also believed to have healing properties.

Purple’s association as the colour of royalty and wealth dates way back to ancient times and amethysts can still be found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia.

2081 - Victorian 10ct gold shell cameo, depicting Venus in a chariot pulled by doves
Est: £60-90

 

In Roman mythology, Venus was the goddess of love. Venus was married to Vulcan, the god of fire, whose love for her was so great that he bestowed her with a golden carriage drawn by doves to match her beauty. The doves are representative of faithfulness and loyalty.

This lovely cameo brooch represents true affection, a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.

2038 - 9ct gold pave set ruby diamond ring
Est £50-70

 

Since ancient times, rubies have symbolized passion, protection, and wealth. Many cultures recognise it as a symbol of love and commitment, making it an ideal gemstone for Valentine’s Day. Ruby is also the birthstone for July and the gem associated with the 40th wedding anniversary.

Partnered with diamonds, this pretty ruby ring says ‘I love you’, without breaking the bank.

UNDER £500

 

2000 - Early 20th century 9ct gold graduating moonstone fringe necklace
Est: £300-500

 

This stunning fringe necklace makes a perfect gift for someone special. Moonstone is an opalescent stone that can be found in various colours. The play of light seen in Moonstone is called adularescence, a phenomenon caused by the way in which the gem is formed.

This beautiful gemstone has a strong historical association with love and protection, making it an ideal gift for a loved one.

2091 - Pair of 9ct gold pink/peach pearl stud earrings
Est: £100-150
 

While these others form as minerals underground, pearls have organic origins. They form within various species of molluscs, therefore, pearls are gems but not stones. Because of this, Pearls have become a metaphor for something rare, fine and valuable – and they also represent purity.  Pearl is the traditional birthstone for June and the gem associated with thirty years of marriage.

The pink coloured pearl symbolizes love, passion and romance and pink is a popular colour for pearls given to a romantic partner. Simple and classic, these pearl earrings say it all on Valentine’s Day.

2052 - Early 20th century 9ct rose gold turquoise set link bracelet, with heart locket clasp
Est: £150-250

 

Turquoise is found in only a few places on Earth. It has been recognised as a stone of protection for centuries and is a talisman of luck, success, ambition and creativity.  Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for December and the gem of the 11th wedding anniversary.

This rose gold link bracelet features a heart locket clasp and was likely made by Charles Horner of Halifax, a business established by the prominent jeweller of the late 19th century; an ideal gift for any loved one.

2054 - 18ct rose gold round brilliant cut diamond three quarter eternity ring
Est: £300-400

 

An eternity ring symbolises never-ending love between two people and is typically designed as a continuous band of cut gemstones.

Although there's no set rule as to when someone should receive an eternity ring, they tend to mark a particular milestone in a couple's life - what better time to celebrate eternal love than Valentine’s Day?

 

UNDER £1,000

 

2180 - Omega Century gentleman's 18ct gold manual wind wristwatch circa 1964, on tan leather strap
Est: £400-600

 

In 1848 a young watchmaker named Louis Brant opened a small workshop in the Swiss village of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The company would become Omega, now one of the foremost luxury watch brands in the world.

This vintage wristwatch is a perfect choice for the special man in your life, exuding simple classic style.

2006 - 18ct gold oval cut aquamarine and round brilliant cut diamond cluster ring
Est: £500-600

 

Named after the Latin word for seawater, aquamarine historically symbolised eternal life, as well as youth, hope and fidelity. It was also thought to enhance the happiness of marriages have a soothing influence on married couples. It is the gem of choice for the 19th wedding anniversary and the modern birthstone for March.

Paired with diamonds, this aquamarine cluster ring would certainly make a Valentine’s Day to remember.

2029 - Vera Wang 18ct white gold diamond and sapphire 'Love' ring
Est: £400-600

 

The Vera Wang LOVE collection is ‘designed for the big day and to elevate the everyday’.  Set in white gold, this diamond ring is truly something special.

The blue sapphire set into the gallery symbolises everlasting love and adds a unique touch to the design. Planning to pop the question? Well, this could be the perfect option.

2001 - Mid 20th century seven stone old cut diamond stepped abstract design ring
£700-1,000

 

Mid Century refers to the post-war era between the 1940s and the 1970s – a period that encompassed a seismic change in the world.

Mid Century rings are exceptionally eye-catching thanks to their bold lines and use of large precious stones and this example is no exception, exhibiting over 2 carats of diamonds.

 

£1,000 +

 

2051 - 18ct rose gold oval cut sapphire and round brilliant cut diamond cluster ring, with diamond set shoulders
Est: £2,000-2,500

 

Few gems have held our attention over millennia as well as the sapphire. Its striking blue colour and excellent durability make for an exceptional gemstone, although sapphires can come in all colours of the rainbow (except red).

Traditionally, sapphires are recognised as having the power to bring harmony between lovers, as well as peace between adversaries.

2020 - 18ct white gold round brilliant cut diamond bracelet
Est: £2,500-3,000

 

Diamonds need no introduction – a 'girl's best friend' and the most famous of all the precious stones.

The name 'Diamond' derives from the ancient Greek word ‘adamas’, meaning 'invincible', a name it gained because of its sheer strength. Diamond is the toughest gemstone, and one of the toughest materials, known to man.

This simple yet beautiful diamond bracelet is made up over 3 carats of diamonds, a stunning piece to adorn any wrist.

2018 - 18ct white gold amethyst and diamond pendant necklace & pair of matching pendant stud earrings
£1,800-2,200
 

We've already established the beauty and popularity of the amethyst, and this set, adorned with diamonds in a striking design is truly beautiful to behold.

Want to make it a Valentine's to remember? This could certainly be the way to go. 

2094 - Platinum single stone round brilliant cut diamond ring, with diamond set shoulders and gallery
Est: £1,800-2,200
 

Platinum is a pure, silver-toned metal, amongst the rarest in the world (around 30 times rarer than gold). It is exceptionally hard in its pure form and highly resistant to corrosion. Diamonds are also incredibly durable, meaning they can withstand a lifetime of wear and tear, so they're perfect for a ring that's meant to last a lifetime. 

This ring in all its beauty symbolises everlasting love, making it the ideal choice for an engagement ring.

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